Apple’s entry-level iPad (2025) continues to be the most accessible gateway into the iOS ecosystem, offering solid performance and essential features at an attractive price point. With incremental upgrades over its predecessor, does the 2025 model justify an upgrade, and how does it stack up against the competition? Here’s our in-depth review.
Key Specifications
- Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (2360 x 1640), 60Hz refresh rate
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU)
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB / 256GB
- Cameras: 12MP rear, 12MP Ultra Wide front (Center Stage)
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours (mixed usage)
- Ports: USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 2)
- OS: iPadOS 18
- Weight: 1.05 lbs (477g)
- Colors: Silver, Space Gray, Pink, Blue
Performance: A16 Bionic Keeps It Smooth
The A16 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 14 Pro) delivers strong everyday performance—handling web browsing, media streaming, and light productivity with ease. While not as powerful as the M-series chips in the iPad Air and Pro, it’s more than capable for:
- Casual gaming (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile run well at medium settings)
- Multitasking (basic split-screen and Slide Over work smoothly)
- Note-taking & creativity (Apple Pencil (1st Gen) support for drawing and annotating)
However, heavy workflows like 4K video editing or 3D rendering will push its limits.
Compared to last year’s A15 model, the A16 offers ~10% better CPU and 15% better GPU performance, but the 4GB RAM remains a bottleneck for power users.
Design: Familiar but Still Premium
The 10.9-inch all-screen design (with thick bezels) remains unchanged from the 2022 model, featuring:
- Aluminum unibody (durable but not as sleek as iPad Air)
- Touch ID in the power button (fast and reliable)
- USB-C port (faster than Lightning but not Thunderbolt)
While it lacks the thin bezels and laminated display of pricier iPads, the build quality is excellent for the price.
Camera Quality: Surprisingly Good
- 12MP rear camera takes decent shots in good lighting (great for document scanning)
- 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage is excellent for video calls
Compared to rivals:
- Better than Amazon Fire Max 11
- On par with Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
- Worse than iPad Air (no HDR or Night Mode)
Battery Life: All-Day Endurance
- 10 hours of mixed use (web, video, light apps)
- 7-8 hours under heavy use (gaming, video editing)
- USB-C charging (20W adapter sold separately)
Not class-leading but reliable for most users.
Unique Features
✅ Apple Pencil (1st Gen) Support – Great for notes and sketches
✅ iPadOS 18 – Stage Manager, improved multitasking
✅ Center Stage – Auto-framing for video calls
❌ No ProMotion or OLED – 60Hz display feels dated
❌ No keyboard folio option – Only works with third-party keyboards
Value for Money: How Does It Compare?
Starting at $449 (64GB), the iPad (2025) competes with:
| Device | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | 90Hz AMOLED, S Pen included | Slower Exynos chip, weaker software |
| Amazon Fire Max 11 | Super cheap, decent display | Limited app ecosystem, sluggish performance |
| iPad (2024) | $100 cheaper, similar specs | Older A15 chip, worse longevity |
Who Should Buy It?
- Students needing a reliable note-taking tablet
- Casual users for media, browsing, and light apps
- Families looking for a durable, long-supported device
Who Should Skip It?
- Power users (get an iPad Air instead)
- Artists (1st Gen Pencil feels outdated)
- Those needing more storage (64GB fills up fast)
Final Verdict: Still the Best Budget iPad?
✅ Pros: Strong performance, great software, premium build, USB-C
❌ Cons: 60Hz display, 64GB base storage, no keyboard folio
Rating: 4/5 ★★★★☆
Best for: First-time iPad buyers, students, and casual users who want Apple quality without Pro prices.
The iPad (2025) isn’t revolutionary, but it’s the most refined budget iPad yet. If you need a no-frills tablet for everyday tasks, it’s an easy recommendation. However, if you want future-proof performance or advanced features, spending extra on the iPad Air is worth considering.
Alternatives to Consider:
- iPad Air (M2, $599) – For power users
- Samsung Tab S9 FE ($499) – For OLED lovers
- Refurbished iPad Pro (2022, ~$550) – Best value
